The term "Genshin killer" gets thrown around a lot, but it’s a tough bar—Genshin Impact’s success comes from its polished open world, elemental combat, and massive cultural footprint. Still, Ananta, Arknights: Endfield, Azur Promilia, and Neverness to Everness (NTE) are generating buzz for good reasons. Here’s a breakdown of their potential to challenge Genshin’s dominance, based on what’s known so far:

Ananta (formerly Project Mugen)

An open-world action RPG from NetEase, set in a vibrant urban metropolis with anime aesthetics. Think GTA meets Genshin, with parkour, grappling hooks, and supernatural combat.

Strengths

Urban setting stands out against Genshin’s fantasy landscapes. Cities like Nova Inception Urbs feel alive with side activities (minigames, races, chases) that could rival Genshin’s exploration.

Combat looks flashy, with characters wielding supernatural powers and environmental interactions (e.g., throwing objects like tires). Recent offline tests in China suggest depth beyond initial trailers.

NetEase’s publishing muscle could ensure global reach and polish.

Challenges

• Combat quality is still unproven—some reports call it "lackluster" without gameplay footage to judge. Genshin’s elemental synergy is a high benchmark.
• No confirmed release date for 2025, raising skepticism about readiness. Overpromising risks a "too good to be true" vibe.

Potential: High if it nails combat and delivers a dense, replayable world. Urban anime vibes could pull players craving something fresh, but it needs to match Genshin’s technical finesse.

Arknights: Endfield

A 3D real-time RPG spin-off from Arknights, set on the unexplored planet Talos-II. It swaps tower defense for Genshin-style team-based combat and survival-like base-building.

Strengths

Unique blend of action RPG and factory-building (think Palworld automation meets Xenoblade). The AIC system lets you craft gear and reshape environments, adding depth beyond Genshin’s exploration.

Combat emphasizes tactics over character-switching, with a 15-character beta roster showing combo potential. It feels distinct, not just a Genshin clone.

Hypergryph’s track record with Arknights suggests a generous gacha system, potentially more F2P-friendly than Genshin’s. Beta feedback praises accessibility.

Challenges

• Not fully open-world—more instanced like Honkai: Star Rail—which might disappoint players expecting seamless exploration.
• Animations felt stiff in early betas, and the elemental system lacks punch compared to Genshin’s. Polish is critical.
• Niche aesthetic may limit mass appeal versus Genshin’s universal fantasy vibe.

Potential: Strong for strategy fans and Arknights loyalists. Its survival and base-building could hook players bored of Genshin’s endgame, but it’s more likely to coexist than dethrone. Mid-2025 release expected.

Azur Promilia

An open-world action RPG from Manjuu (Azur Lane devs), blending Genshin’s combat with creature-collecting and Palworld-esque mechanics. You fight alongside companions and ride dragons.

Strengths

Visuals and combat echo Genshin but add mounts, flight, and elemental pets, offering freedom Teyvat lacks. Switching between four characters with companion synergy looks dynamic.

Creature-collecting and farming add casual appeal, potentially broadening its audience beyond hardcore gacha players.
Azur Lane’s F2P-friendly model bodes well for accessibility, a sore spot for Genshin’s resin system.

Challenges

• Risks being seen as “Genshin with pets.” It needs to carve a distinct identity to avoid clone accusations.
• Early designs lean safe (some say tame due to Chinese censorship), which might alienate fans expecting bolder characters.
• No firm release date—likely 2026—delaying its chance to compete head-on.

Potential: Could steal casual players with its cozy monster-taming twist, but matching Genshin’s storytelling and world depth is a tall order. Manjuu’s rep gives it a shot if polish holds up.

Neverness to Everness (NTE)

An open-world gacha RPG from Perfect World, set in a supernatural city with Unreal Engine 5 visuals. It mixes urban exploration, car chases, and yokai-inspired enemies.

Strengths

Seamless world with no loading screens (per beta reports) feels next-gen compared to Genshin’s zoned regions. Driving and apartment-buying add GTA-like immersion.

Combat blends elemental heroes with Dandadan-esque spooky flair, potentially rivaling Genshin’s spectacle. Boss raids and farming hint at robust endgame.

Social features (collectibles, community events) could foster a sticky player base, unlike Genshin’s solo focus.

Challenges

• Trailers show ambition, but sparse gameplay footage fuels doubts about execution. Recent CN tests are promising but light on combat details.
• Perfect World’s mixed track record (Tower of Fantasy underdelivered) raises optimization concerns, especially for mobile.
• Urban fantasy might not resonate as universally as Genshin’s high fantasy.

Potential: A dark horse with mainstream appeal if it nails performance and story. Its modern vibe could draw new players, but it needs to outshine Ananta in the same niche. 2025 release unconfirmed.

Why None Are True "Killers" (Yet)

Genshin’s edge lies in its refined systems, constant updates, and cultural staying power—$5 billion in revenue isn’t just gameplay; it’s a lifestyle for millions. These four games aim to differentiate (urban chaos, survival crafting, pet-collecting, yokai vibes) rather than copy, which is smart—they’re not trying to be Genshin 2.0. But differentiation alone doesn’t topple a titan. Each needs:

• Polish: Genshin’s buttery-smooth combat and visuals set a brutal standard.
• Endgame: Genshin’s weak endgame (artifact grind, Spiral Abyss) is a gap they could exploit with richer systems.
• Identity: They must feel essential, not just “another gacha.”
• Timing: Delayed releases or buggy launches could kill momentum.

Verdict

Most Likely to Rival Genshin: Ananta, if it delivers on its urban playground and combat evolves past “flashy” to “deep.” Its vibe screams mass appeal.

Dark Horse: Arknights: Endfield, for carving a niche with base-building and tactical depth. It won’t outgross Genshin but could outlast competitors in engagement.

Needs More Time: Azur Promilia feels iterative, not revolutionary—2026 might be too late to shift tides.

Wild Card: NTE could surprise if Perfect World sticks the landing, but it’s the riskiest bet given their history.

Exciting news for Genshin Impact players! Recent leaks hint at a free character arriving in the highly anticipated 5.5 update. The information, shared by the reliable leaker Seele, has sparked discussions across the community. While leaks should always be taken with a grain of salt, this one has certainly captured players’ attention.

Who is the Free Character in Genshin Impact 5.5?

According to the latest reports, a new 4-star Electro Bow user named Ororon will be available for free during the main event of update 5.5. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Ororon first made waves in version 5.2, where his off-field Electro damage potential impressed many fans.

Ororon’s Abilities and Playstyle

If the leaks are accurate, Ororon will bring a unique set of skills that enhance his role as a strong off-field support:

• Elemental Skill: Fires an Electro-charged shot that jumps between enemies, continuously dealing Electro damage.
• Elemental Burst: Summons a construct that lures nearby enemies while delivering sustained Electro attacks.
• Passive Talent: Enhances Electro DMG in specific conditions, particularly when enemies take Electro-Charged damage or when teammates utilize Nightsoul-aligned abilities.

These abilities suggest that Ororon will be an excellent addition to teams focusing on Electro-based reactions. Players who don’t have him yet can secure him at no cost, while those who already own him can work toward unlocking additional constellations to boost his performance.

What Can Players Expect from Genshin Impact 5.5 Event?

While official details remain under wraps, past patterns suggest that the main event will feature multiple challenges, rewarding players with various prizes—including Ororon. Genshin Impact has a history of giving away 4-star characters through special events, so this leak seems plausible.

As always, keep in mind that leaks are subject to change, and final details will be revealed by HoYoverse closer to the update’s launch. That said, if this leak holds true, it’s an exciting opportunity for players to expand their rosters without spending Primogems. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!

>>> Read more: Genshin Impact 5.4: Release Date, Timing & More

Genshin Impact 5.4 update is set to launch on February 12, 2025, ahead of the Natlan Archon Quests. This update will introduce the highly anticipated Anemo character, Yumemizuki Mizuki, along with exciting in-game events, making it one of the most awaited updates in recent months.

Genshin Impact 5.4 Global Release Date & Timing

Based on previous patch schedules, Genshin Impact 5.4 is expected to go live between February 12 and 11 AM, 2025 (UTC +8). Mizuki will debut with her signature weapon, and in-game events will offer Primogems and other rewards. However, the exact release time will differ by region, with the following times set for major global locations:

Pre-Update Preparations & Server Maintenance 

HoYoverse will begin server maintenance for the scheduled update on February 12, 2025, at 6 AM (UTC +8). The maintenance is expected to last about 5 hours, meaning players won’t be able to access the game during that time.

Genshin Impact 5.4 is a major update that will bring exciting new content, including the debut of Mizuki and fresh in-game events, expanding the story for players worldwide. As the update approaches, fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter in Teyvat starting February 12.

>>> Read more: Wriothesley Rumored to Make Long-Awaited Return in Genshin Impact Version 5.4

Earlier leaks suggested Nod-Krai might be its own region in Genshin Impact Version 6.0, but recent datamining has nearly confirmed its location. Nod-Krai, a province of Snezhnaya, acts as a trade hub connecting the Cryo Nation to the rest of Teyvat. Liben says it is the southernmost part of Snezhnaya, and the Traveler and Paimon will likely enter from Fontaine or Natlan.

According to Leakflow, Extra, and footage from The_Strifemaster, the latest Version 5.4 beta build has added a placeholder landmass beneath Fontaine's western waterfalls, seemingly connected to Mont Esus, a rumored Fontaine expansion. While it’s unclear if Mont Esus will be released before or during Version 6.0, all signs point to Nasha Town and Nod-Krai.

Nod-Krai in Genshin Impact

Nod-Krai, located on Snezhnaya's southern border, is both a region and a city known for its lawlessness despite the efforts of the Voynich Guild. The province houses a Fatui stronghold led by Dottore, a popular Fatui Harbinger in Genshin Impact. Nasha Town is a key settlement in the area, and the people of Nod-Krai are rumored to possess powers older than the seven Elements of Teyvat.

Splitting Snezhnaya into two parts might be controversial, but the region is likely too large to finish in one year, both in terms of story and development. With Version 5.3 concluding the Archon Quest in Natlan, upcoming updates will gradually prepare for Snezhnaya’s debut in Genshin Impact. While Capitano’s fate is unclear, Natlan will introduce Skirk as a playable character, who has connections to one of the Five Sinners of Khaenri’ah. If there are no delays, Version 6.0 is expected to release on September 10, 2025.

>>> Read also: Genshin Impact: Iansan's Potential As A 5-Star Character in Version 5.4

Natlan has already introduced many fan-favorite characters, but Iansan has been known to Genshin Impact players since the Travail trailer in 2020. Her element was confirmed as Electro during the Ignition teaser for Natlan. However, her rarity has been a topic of debate among fans and leakers, especially leading up to Version 5.3.

The latest information about Iansan in Genshin Impact is that she is expected to launch in Version 5.4. This update will introduce a new area in Natlan, and Iansan will be important for giving players the ability to explore in ways similar to the Tatankasaurus from the Collective of Plenty. Version 5.4 will also add Mizuki, a 5-Star Anemo character from Inazuma, to the game. While many believed Iansan would be the 4-Star character of Version 5.4, there’s a chance Genshin Impact may have changed their plans.

Miruko has revealed that Iansan will be a 5-Star Electro character. Known for leaking content like Capitano's sword model and music from Version 5.0, Miruko has a solid track record of sharing early Genshin Impact info. However, this claim is one of the boldest in recent patches. Miruko also mentioned that the information is two months old, meaning the developers might have changed their mind about Iansan's rarity after the Archon Quest in Version 5.1.

Nevertheless, this leak should be taken with caution for a few reasons. Iansan's symbol appears in the Pilgrim's Chronicle alongside Ororon and Kachina, both of whom are 4-Star characters from Natlan. If Iansan were a 5-Star character, her symbol would likely be placed in the Tribal Chronicle instead. Based on this, the logical assumption in the game is that Iansan is the 4-Star character from the Collective of Plenty, while Varesa is the 5-Star character from the tribe.

Additionally, the list of upcoming Genshin Impact characters places Iansan alongside Varesa, who isn't expected to debut until Version 5.5. Looking at past releases, like Kachina being followed by Xilonen and Ororon being followed by Citlali, there seems to be a pattern of releasing a 4-Star character from a Natlan tribe before their 5-Star counterpart. This is likely because 5-Star characters have an upgraded version of their tribe's exploration ability. Fortunately, players won’t have to wait long to find out Iansan's rarity, as her drip marketing is expected to start soon. Version 5.4 is set to launch on February 12, 2025.

>>> Read more: Wriothesley Rumored to Make Long-Awaited Return in Genshin Impact Version 5.4

With a roster boasting over 90 playable characters, Genshin Impact faces an uphill battle in keeping its Event Banner schedule balanced and equitable. Even if the game sticks to releasing one new 5-Star character per update, the math still doesn’t favor fans. There are 43 limited 5-Stars vying for their well-earned yearly rerun, yet only 27 slots available per year. The result? A scheduling dilemma that’s impossible to resolve without leaving some fan favorites on the bench.

The introduction of the Chronicled Banner in Genshin Impact was the developers' way of tackling the rerun problem, but many fans view it as little more than a band-aid solution. Case in point: Shenhe endured a grueling wait of over 600 days before her rerun was finally locked in for Version 5.3. Unless the devs are prepared to take the plunge into Triple Banners, it seems players will have to brace themselves for increasingly extended gaps between character reruns.

Wriothesley Banner Rerun in Genshin Impact 5.4

One standout casualty of Genshin Impact's flawed banner rotation is Wriothesley, the Cryo Catalyst who made his debut in Version 4.1 but has been missing from the Event Banners ever since. As a modern Cryo hypercarry, Wriothesley shines in Burnmelt teams capable of dishing out impressive damage. Yet, despite his potential, players haven’t had the chance to pull for him since November 8, 2023. According to insider Flying Flame, that dry spell will finally end in Version 5.4, where Wriothesley is set to make his long-awaited return to the Event Banners.

It’s worth mentioning that Flying Flame’s track record regarding Natlan-related leaks has been hit or miss. While they correctly predicted the arrival of a new Chronicled Banner in Version 5.3, themed around the Lantern Rite, several of their other claims have proven unreliable. With that in mind, Genshin Impact players should approach this rumor with a healthy dose of skepticism. That said, the latest Spiral Abyss buff seems tailor-made for Wriothesley’s playstyle, lending a bit of credibility to the speculation surrounding his potential rerun.

Genshin Impact 5.4 is shaping up to be a big one, with the anticipated debut of Mizuki, who might become Inazuma’s first Standard Banner character. If the rumors hold true, Mizuki and Wriothesley could take one half of the Event Banners, while the other half is expected to feature either Furina or Venti. This speculation aligns with the trend of Archon characters receiving their reruns in sequence, and Furina and Venti are the last remaining Archons yet to do so. Mark your calendars—Version 5.4 is slated to drop on February 12, 2025.

>>> Read also: Genshin Impact Leak Reveals New Zones, Characters & Possible Upcoming War

New leaks have provided more details, expanding Genshin Impact’s roadmap. These reveal exciting new zones, fresh characters, and a storyline that could lead to a major war with either the Abyss or Celestia. Players are eagerly anticipating the game's future updates, especially Version 5.4 and beyond.

Genshin Impact Upcoming Zones & Characters

• New Zones: Mont Esus, Dornman Port, and Blackcliff Forge are expected to be introduced in Version 5.4.
• Expanded World: Nod-Krai, first teased in Version 5.1, will play a key role in Version 6.0. Snezhnaya, a highly awaited area, is reportedly set for Version 7.0.
• Playable Characters: Seven new characters, including Skirk, are set to join the game by June 2025. Skirk’s addition suggests a deeper link to the Abyss and the Descenders.

Story Progression & Theories

• Natlan’s Conclusion: With Version 5.3 wrapping up Natlan’s storyline, the Tsaritsa may collect all seven Gnoses, setting her plan in motion.
• Possible War: There are rumors of a major conflict with the Abyss or Celestia that could unfold across all of Teyvat, offering players a vast and interconnected storyline.
• Version 6.x Focus: Leaks suggest that Version 6.x will mainly expand on existing regions rather than focusing solely on Snezhnaya. It may also include interlude chapters that explore unresolved storylines, such as Varka's expedition, Dottore's plans, and Durin’s fate.

The Endgame Looms

Version 6.x could act as the bridge that ties up all the loose ends, leading up to the final climax in Snezhnaya. As the Tsaritsa’s plans unfold, players will experience the resolution of long-awaited storylines, setting the stage for the endgame of Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact never fails to impress with its huge expansions and exciting updates. These leaks point to a pivotal time ahead in Teyvat: the future, with Version 6.x and beyond, is sure to bring thrilling adventures and unforgettable experiences.

>>> Read more: Most-played Characters in Genshin Impact 5.2 Spiral Abyss

With high usage rates, some characters have become top choices in the latest Genshin Impact 5.2 Spiral Abyss. Well-known leaker @hxg_diluc shared details about the most popular characters, showing the best options in the current meta.

This article highlights the most used characters in the Genshin Impact 5.2 Spiral Abyss, as shared by @hxg_diluc on X.

@hxg_diluc recently shared data about the most popular characters in the Genshin Impact 5.2 Spiral Abyss. The information comes from a YShelper survey of 116,634 players. It shows the usage rates of each character as percentages and includes the number of players who used them in the Abyss.

Here are the characters with the highest usage rates in the 5.2 Spiral Abyss:

Just like in the previous Spiral Abyss, Furina (Hydro), Xilonen (Geo), Neuvillette (Hydro), and Zhongli (Geo) remain top picks with usage rates of 97.7%, 91.1%, 86.6%, and 66.7%, respectively. Many players highly favor these characters, as shown by their consistently high popularity.

Following them are characters like Yelan, Kazuha, and Nahida, who are outstanding supports with usage rates of 65.5%, 65.3%, and 51.5%, respectively.

Among the 4-star characters, Bennett, Xingqiu, and Kuki Shinobu are the most popular, with usage rates of 48.3%, 42.8%, and 35.5%, respectively.

Chasca has gained significant popularity in the 5.2 Spiral Abyss, with a high usage rate of 58.6%. This 5-star Anemo DPS is the second-most used damage dealer after Neuvillette. Since the latest end-game challenge favors Anemo units, it’s no surprise that she is one of the top choices.

>>> Read more: Genshin Impact Leaks: New Clues About Capitano's Fate

Genshin Impact features a diverse cast of characters, but the community particularly buzzes with excitement whenever a new Archon or Fatui Harbinger joins the story. For Fontaine, the spotlight was on Furina and Arlecchino, while for Natlan, it seemed to be Mavuika and Capitano. While Mavuika was only recently introduced in Version 5.0, Capitano has gradually gained a following ever since his debut in "A Winter Night's Lazzo" in 2022.

Capitano has strong ties to Natlan and the Masters of the Night-Wind, with his crusade against the Abyss being driven by personal honor. As a survivor of Khaen'riah, he holds deep connections to Genshin Impact's lore, and many players were eager to see his story finally take center stage. While recent rumors suggested Capitano might not be a playable character in Natlan, the reality could turn out to be much more disappointing for his fans.

A music file from the latest beta build was shared by Miruko, featuring the keywords: Cinder City, Capitano, and Tombstone. While leaked information should be viewed carefully, it’s essential to keep in mind that leaks often come with incomplete context. In this case, the tombstone may refer to Capitano’s fallen allies rather than the Fatui Harbinger himself. After all, Capitano has a datamined weapon type and a playable model in Genshin Impact.

Would Capitano Die in Genshin Impact 5.3?

While the evidence is striking, and Genshin Impact has proven it’s not hesitant to eliminate its Fatui Harbingers, there’s a crucial point to consider. One could argue that Capitano has made a significant impact in Natlan, potentially earning an Ancient Name. As the bearer of such a name, he might sacrifice his life to thwart the Abyss in Natlan, only to be resurrected through the Ode of Resurrection. It’s known that in Version 5.3, the Traveler and Mavuika will confront the corrupted form of Xiuhcoatl, but Capitano’s precise role in the narrative remains uncertain.

An important aspect of Capitano’s possible death is that it could open the door for his resurrection through the Ode of Resurrection, setting the stage for him to become a playable character. While Capitano isn’t on the list of upcoming characters in Genshin Impact, an unnamed 5-star character is scheduled to debut after Iansan and Varesa. Though this character isn’t from Natlan and new Harbingers are expected to be playable only after Snezhnaya, there’s a slight chance that this spot could be reserved for Capitano, possibly under his true name, which was nearly revealed in Version 5.2. Genshin Impact players will find out more when Version 5.3 releases on January 1, 2025.

>>> Read more: Genshin Impact Leak Hints at Potential Nerf for Mavuika

The recent updates to Mavuika in Genshin Impact enhance her damage potential as a hypercarry, though they also make her more niche. Natlan has diverged from Genshin Impact's usual patterns, with Version 5.3 being the first Lantern Rite event not to feature a 5-star character from Liyue. Additionally, rumors suggest that Citlali and Mavuika will both appear on the Event Banners during the same phase of the patch.

Mavuika is an unusual Archon in Genshin Impact, as she is designed to be one of the game's most powerful hypercarries rather than a universal Support character. While her off-field potential isn't bad, her abilities seem to be focused on maximizing field time. This design choice has sparked controversy among players—some were hoping Mavuika would offer an alternative to 4-star characters like Bennett and Xiangling, while others are excited by the idea of a hypercarry Archon. However, the latest changes to Mavuika are unlikely to satisfy either group.

According to Rain, the latest beta build for Version 5.3 brings a major nerf to Mavuika's Fighting Spirit. Instead of using Elemental Energy, Mavuika now accumulates Fighting Spirit to trigger her Elemental Burst, with two methods to do so. One is by having her party members spend Nightsoul points, and the other is by having them hit enemies with Normal Attacks. The new build reduces the amount of Fighting Spirit gained from Normal Attacks by 0.25, which benefits Natlan characters, as using Nightsoul points remains the most efficient way to generate Fighting Spirit.

Genshin Impact: Mavuika Changes (V4)

Although a 0.25 decrease may seem minor, it disrupts many potential non-Natlan teams. With the new changes, even Normal Attack-focused characters like Ayato would struggle to fill up Mavuika's Fighting Spirit, as he previously only just managed to reach the minimum required during a standard rotation. This essentially limits Mavuika to Natlan Support characters like Citlali and Xilonen. The second major change to Mavuika in Genshin Impact boosts her second Constellation, further enhancing her potential as a hypercarry.

The Pyro Archon has a strong fanbase and will likely have a popular banner in Version 5.3, but many players are questioning if the changes have made her less appealing. Despite having higher numbers than Arlecchino or Hu Tao in Genshin Impact, Mavuika lacks flexibility in choosing her teammates. Additionally, her Constellations lock significant power away from her base kit, a criticism also directed at both Citlali and Mavuika after the initial balance changes. Version 5.3 is set to launch on January 1, 2025, and players will be able to pull for Mavuika right away.

>>> Read more: Genshin Impact Leak: Ifa Revealed As a 4-Star Character

While Genshin Impact has brought significant quality-of-life improvements to Natlan, its treatment of male characters in 2024 has been disappointing. Kinich is the only 5-Star male character released this year, and with no additional male characters expected from Natlan after Ifa, it's likely that 2025 will follow the same trend.

From a gameplay perspective, male characters in Genshin Impact are typically built as hypercarries instead of support units. While Ororon was added in Version 5.2 as a 4-Star Electro Support, the most recent male support character before him was Baizhu, a 5-Star Dendro Support, introduced in Version 3.6. This lack of diversity in roles, along with a scarcity of 5-Star male characters, has sparked frustration among the Genshin Impact community.

With Kinich and Ororon being the only male characters introduced in Natlan so far, many Genshin Impact players were hopeful that Ifa would help change this. However, as shared by Full Stop Chan through hxg_diluc, Ifa will be a 4-Star character from the Flower-Feather Clan. His weapon and element remain a mystery, but given his background as a Saurian veterinarian, he is likely to serve as a Support character. Ifa's potential as a playable character was also hinted at through the voice lines of the upcoming weekly boss in Genshin Impact, which include unique lines for both Ifa and Varesa.

Upcoming Characters in Genshin Impact 5.4 & 5.5

• Ayano
• Citlali
• Iansan
• Ifa
• Lan Yan
• Mavuika
• Varesa

With Ayano set to debut in Version 5.4 as a new Genshin Impact character from Inazuma, there are several possibilities to consider for the other three units. Iansan and Varesa both belong to the Collective of Plenty, but unlike Ifa, their rarities have not been confirmed. While it's commonly assumed that Iansan will be a 5-Star character, the releases of Ororon and Citlali have shown that being one of the six Heroes of Natlan doesn’t necessarily determine a character’s rarity.

If the Collective of Plenty zone is introduced in Version 5.5, it’s expected that Genshin Impact will have to debut either Iansan or Varesa to introduce the new exploration ability. Since Ifa is a 4-Star character, it’s very likely that he will be released alongside whichever character is featured as the 5-Star in Version 5.5. Players will learn more in the upcoming months, with Version 5.5 set to launch on March 26, 2025.

>>> Read more: Genshin Impact Rewards Players with Free Primogems for Excellence Award

Revenue in Genshin Impact is driven by its gacha banner system, where players can pull for two 5-star and three 4-star characters per banner cycle. To get new characters, players must use either Intertwined Fates or Acquaint Fates, which can be purchased in the in-game store with a currency called Primogems. Intertwined Fates are typically more sought after, as they are used for pulling characters from the Limited Character Banner, while Acquaint Fates are used to pull from the Standard Character Banner.

HoYoverse frequently gives players free Primogems through various methods, such as completing daily quests like the Daily Commissions or using promotional codes released during Genshin Impact Special Program events. Another way players can receive Primogems is when the game wins an award, which has happened quite often in recent years. As the game approaches the end-of-year award season, players can have chances to claim free Primogems.

As many of you know, Genshin Impact has won the Excellence Award at the PlayStation Partner Awards 2024. To celebrate this achievement, HoYoverse will distribute 1,000 Primogems over 4 days, starting December 4, 2024.

A recent post on Genshin Impact’s official X revealed that players can collect these Primogems until the end of Genshin Impact Version 5.2, which is expected to end around December 31. Many fans in the comments mentioned that the Primogems will be helpful in their attempts to unlock the new character, Chasca. Known for being an S-tier DPS unit, Chasca has quickly become one of the most enjoyable characters to use in Genshin Impact.

Players looking to obtain Chasca or Lyney have less than a week, as their banner is set to expire around December 10. HoYoverse has confirmed that the second banner phase will feature two highly popular five-star characters: Zhongli, the Geo Archon, and Neuvillette, the Hydro Dragon from Fontaine. Both characters are regarded as top-tier picks in their respective roles.

Although the five-star lineup in Version 5.2 is impressive, many players will likely save their Primogems for Genshin Impact update 5.3, which will feature the highly anticipated Pyro Archon, Mavuika. This character has appeared in the game several times, and recent beta data suggests she will be an offensive unit capable of taking on multiple roles, much like the other Archons introduced before her.

HoYoverse has officially introduced Lan Yan, a new Anemo character from Liyue, debuting in Genshin Impact Version 5.3. While fans speculated about Mavuika and Citlali, Lan Yan’s announcement has thrilled players looking forward to a fresh 4-star unit. Her release comes amid growing excitement for the Pyro Archon, but the developer has confirmed the 5.3 roster, keeping the focus on Genshin Impact Lan Yan.

Lan Yan’s graceful moves, shielding abilities, and versatile playstyle make her a promising addition to Genshin Impact 5.3. While her late-game constellations have sparked some fan debate, her potential as a game-changer can’t be ignored. Let’s explore her rumored abilities, ascension materials, and what makes her stand out!

Genshin Impact Lan Yan’s Skill Kit 

Talent Materials to Max Lan Yan in Genshin Impact

To fully upgrade Genshin Impact Lan Yan’s talents, you will need the following:

Total Needed for All Talents (3x Upgrade):

 Ascension Materials for Lan Yan in Genshin Impact

Total for Full Ascension:

Total Needed for All Talents (3x Upgrade):

 Lan Yan’s Constellations in Genshin Impact

Conclusion

Genshin Impact Lan Yan looks set to be a reliable support-oriented Anemo character, providing useful utility through shielding and crowd control with style. However, some fans are concerned about her shield duration being too short and her C6 being too crucial. Will HoYoverse make changes before her release?

Last but not least, Lan Yan is expected to make a splash during the Lantern Rite Festival, possibly alongside other popular reruns. Will her abilities make her the next must-have four-star Anemo unit, or will she need future buffs to reach her full potential? Keep your Primogems ready and find out for yourself in Genshin Impact 5.3!

>>> Read more: Genshin Impact 5.3 Event May Offer Ideal Conditions for Artifact Farming

Although HoYoverse has not officially confirmed the new roster for Version 5.3, recent beta leaks indicate the update will introduce three new characters. In addition to these arrivals, Genshin Impact 5.3 is expected to feature a range of events, including the much-anticipated annual Lantern Rite Festival.

Amid the growing anticipation for the long-awaited Pyro Archon, Mavuika, many players may have overlooked some significant leaks about an upcoming event in Genshin Impact Version 5.3. According to a trusted leaker, HomgDGCat, this event will offer players the chance to receive double the usual number of artifacts when using Original Resin. In addition to artifacts, the event will apply the same drop rate increase to other valuable ascension materials, such as Character Talent Materials and Weapon Ascension Materials. However, the event’s bonus will not be applicable when using Condensed Resin, meaning players can only take advantage of the double rewards a limited number of times each day.

Genshin Impact 5.3: What to Expect?

Fans have lauded HoYoverse in the comments for introducing this event alongside an already content-rich update. In Genshin Impact, the primary method of acquiring artifacts is by farming artifact domains. Each character can equip up to five artifacts, each providing bonuses based on their set effects. Equipping two or four artifacts from the same set grants additional stats or unique effects, enhancing a character's overall performance.

A lot of players share the sentiment that acquiring the perfect artifact in Genshin Impact feels nearly impossible due to the RNG element involved in sub-stats. While the Flower and Feather artifact types only drop with one fixed main stat, the remaining three slots can roll with a variety of effects. To make matters more challenging, the presence of up to four potential sub-stats significantly reduces the odds of obtaining an artifact that perfectly suits a specific character.

With each new five-star character in Genshin Impact, a corresponding artifact set is often introduced to align with their playstyle. In Update 5.3, players can anticipate the release of two new artifact sets, specifically designed for the upcoming five-star characters, Mavuika and Citlali. Mavuika will likely debut in the first phase of the update, while Citlali’s banner is expected to go live in the second phase.

>>> Genshin Impact: The Beloved Beetle Brawl Event To Allegedly Return

Genshin Impact players haven't always been thrilled with the Traveler's ability kits over time. The Electro Traveler was seen as underwhelming by most fans, and the Hydro Traveler was widely criticized. The one kit where the Traveler really stood out was Dendro, which gave players a strong way to apply Dendro off-field at a good pace.

The developers have been careful about giving the Traveler in Genshin Impact a powerful ability kit for a straightforward reason: like the starting characters from Mondstadt, the Traveler and their different kits are free and available to everyone. However, the Natlan region changed things by restricting access to the Pyro Traveler until players complete the Archon Quest. With the final chapter of Natlan's story coming in Version 5.3, the Pyro Traveler is now set to make their playable debut.

The latest information comes from Seele Leaks, who accessed the beta servers for Version 5.3. It offers a detailed look at the Pyro Traveler's Elemental Skill, Elemental Burst, and final Constellation. However, the leak cautioned players to manage their expectations for the Pyro Traveler, as their ability kit has been heavily speculated on since the launch of Natlan.

Pyro Traveler's Ability Kit Leaked

Ascension: ATK

Elemental Skill:

• Short E: Summons a ring that deals Pyro damage to nearby enemies. The range is larger than Barbara's, but smaller than Nilou's.
• Long E: Applies an effect similar to the Skyward Atlas weapon, where it targets and attacks nearby enemies.

Elemental Burst:

• The Elemental Skill deals damage and restores Nightsoul points to the party. The Nightsoul gauge also influences the duration of the Elemental Skill's effects.

Constellations:

• Gets Pyro infusion at C6.

While some Genshin Impact players may be disappointed with the Pyro Traveler, there could still be potential in their ability kit. With the Nightsoul mechanics in play, the Pyro Traveler can wield the Scroll of the Hero of Cinder City, and their Elemental Burst can restore Nightsoul points to other party members. This creates solid synergy with Mavuika, especially if the Pyro Archon takes on a hypercarry role within the team.

That said, the Pyro Traveler could find a more viable niche alongside Mualani in Genshin Impact. Their ability to apply off-field Pyro while using the new Natlan Artifact Set would be a valuable role to fill, making the Pyro Traveler more useful than the Hydro counterpart from Fontaine. While the exact method of unlocking the Pyro Traveler remains unclear, players speculate that they may earn all six Constellations through the six Natlan tribes. Version 5.3 is expected to make its way on January 1, 2025.

>>> Read also: Genshin Impact Chasca Banner: Everything You Need To Know

The Genshin Impact community is buzzing with excitement for the Chasca Banner. As part of the highly anticipated version 5.2 update, this limited-time event will bring new characters, powerful weapons, and exciting gameplay updates. Here’s all the key information you need about the Chasca Banner.

Genshin Impact Chasca Banner Release Date

The Chasca Banner will launch on November 20, 2024, at 11 AM (UTC+8). Players will have the chance to try out the featured characters and weapons before the banner ends.

Genshin Impact Chasca Banner: 4-Star Characters

Apart from the featured 5-star characters, the Chasca banner also includes some amazing 4-star characters to your team:

• Ororon (Electro, Bow)
  A new character in Teyvat! Ororon uses electric bow attacks and brings great utility to your team.
• Sucrose (Anemo, Catalyst)
  The skilled alchemist Sucrose is perfect for crowd control and creating powerful elemental reactions.
• Barbara (Hydro, Catalyst)
  If you need healing, Barbara is the one to turn to. Her Hydro abilities offer reliable support for your entire party.

Genshin Impact Chasca Banner: Featured Weapons

The Chasca Banner also features some amazing weapons to enhance your gameplay:

With the release time coming soon, many players are wrapping up their farming and saving Primogems to make sure they don't miss this amazing banner.

>>> Also check out: Genshin Impact: The Beloved Beetle Brawl Event To Allegedly Return

The Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl wasn’t originally planned to be an annual event, but its popularity led the developers to rethink that. The event first appeared in Genshin Impact 3.4, then returned with a new storyline in Version 4.3. While Itto may not be the top character in the game’s meta, he’s very popular with fans. Because of this, many feel that bringing back the Arataki Beetle Brawl for a third time makes perfect sense.

Arataki Itto's Beetle Brawl Event To Be Back in Version 5.3

The details come from Flying Flame, who got them from the latest Genshin Impact beta update. The Beetle Brawl event will return for the third time in Version 5.3 and is expected to pick up from Itto's story in January 2024. Both Arataki Itto and Kuki Shinobu are likely to appear, with Xianyun possibly making an appearance as well. In addition to the Beetle Brawl, Version 5.3 will also include the Lantern Rite event, though it's still unclear if any new Liyue characters will be introduced during the celebration.

The two confirmed characters for Version 5.3 in Genshin Impact are Citlali and Mavuika, leaving two spots open on the Event Banners for 5-Star characters. Since the Lantern Rite usually features Liyue characters, and Xianyun is already set to appear as a Special Guest in the Imaginarium Theater for Version 5.3, she will likely be one of the 5-Star banner characters. While it makes sense that Arataki Itto could be the final 5-star character for the patch, it's still risky to assume that for sure.

Despite the Beetle Brawl returning in Version 4.3, Arataki Itto didn't appear on the Event Banners until Version 4.5, two months later. More likely candidates for the remaining banner spots in Version 5.3 could be Ganyu or even Ayato, especially considering the latest details about the Imaginarium Theater. Genshin Impact players will learn more when beta testing for Version 5.3 begins after Version 5.2 launches on November 20, 2024.

>>> Read more: Genshin Impact 5.4 Leak: A Glimpse of the Next Character

While Genshin Impact is focusing on Natlan characters for the near future, that doesn’t mean we won’t see characters from other regions. The Fontaine update, for example, brought Xianyun, Gaming, Chiori, and Sethos into the playable roster, even though none of them are from Fontaine. So, there’s still room for surprises!

With Mavuika and Citlali set to launch in Version 5.3, Natlan will have at least one character for each element by January 2025. While Inazuma has been getting a new character every year since its release, there’s also the upcoming Lantern Rite to think about. Leaks suggest that Madame Ping could become playable during the Natlan era, and there are rumors that the Lantern Rite event will introduce a new 4-star character from Liyue as well. Exciting times ahead!

The latest scoop comes from Tieba, with support from hxg_diluc, a trusted source in the Genshin Impact community. While it doesn’t confirm the rarity or element of the new character, the leak suggests that the upcoming addition will be from Inazuma and is set to drop in Version 5.4. Previous rumors hinted at a Pyro or Electro Catalyst debut after the Lantern Rite in 2025, but it’s unlikely these two rumors are connected. As always, keep in mind that leaks should be taken with caution, as Genshin Impact has been known to shift its character release plans unexpectedly.

New Inazuma Character in Genshin Impact 5.4

An Inazuma character dropping in Version 5.4 makes sense, especially since both Kirara and Chiori in Genshin Impact were released only after their region's Archon Quests wrapped up. However, one could argue that adding another Inazuma character might delay a much-needed new face for Mondstadt, which has only received one new character since Eula in Version 1.5. While Genshin Impact fans are still hopeful for Varka's debut with a future Mondstadt map expansion, it’s likely that Liyue and Inazuma will take the spotlight for the time being.

Interestingly, Inazuma remains the only region in Genshin Impact that's locked behind story progress. While players can technically access Inazuma early through certain characters or glitches, there’s no official way to enter it. This has led to the community seeing Inazuma characters as at a major disadvantage, since players can't farm their Ascension materials without unlocking the region first. Still, as shown with Chiori and Kirara, the developers don't hesitate to release new characters from Inazuma if the concept is solid. Players will get more details after Version 5.3 drops on January 1, 2025.

>>> Read more: When is Pyro Traveler Coming to Genshin Impact?